Collapsible pinata devices and methods for making same

ABSTRACT

Collapsible piñata devices and methods to manufacture collapsible piñata devices are provided. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a piñata can comprise an exterior shell and one or more internal support frame members. The internal frame members can support the exterior shell when the exterior shell is fully expanded in an uncollapsed position to form a piñata. The internal frame members can also support the exterior shell during transition from expanded to collapsed position and from collapsed to expanded position. The piñata can also be collapsed into a state for storage, travel, and to preserve the exterior appearance of the piñata. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIMS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of, and claims priority to,pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/748,555,filed 15 May 2007, under 35 U.S.C. § 120; which claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 to Chinese Patent Application Number 200620160545.X filedwith the State Intellectual Property Bureau of the People's Republic ofChina on 28 Nov. 2006. This Application also claims priority to and thebenefit of Chinese Patent Application Number 200820042655.5 under 35U.S.C. § 119, filed with the State Intellectual Property Bureau of thePeople's Republic of China on 9 Jan. 2008. All of the above-listedApplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties asif fully set forth below.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally topiñatas, and more specifically, to collapsible piñata devices andmethods to make collapsible piñata devices.

BACKGROUND

Piñatas have long been popular for distributing gifts at children'sparties and providing recreational activities at similar festive events.Traditional piñatas are typically formed of frangible material and itemssuch as candy, toys, and money can be placed within piñatas. In typicalgames involving piñatas, participants are blindfolded and attempt tostrike a suspended piñata. Typically, game participants use strong,rigid objects such as baseball bats, to break open piñatas. Breakingopen a piñata can reveal items hidden within the piñata, and accordingto some piñata games participants win those items they successfullyremove from the piñata by striking it.

Many conventional piñatas exist today. Indeed, known piñatas aregenerally made in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Conventional piñatasdo have associated drawbacks, including their large size, inability tobe compressed into a smaller size without causing damage, andpossibility of being damage due to fragile manufacturing materials andmethods. In addition, piñatas having a large, unchangeable size do notlend themselves to be easily transported.

Accordingly, what is needed are collapsible piñata devices and methodsfor making collapsible piñata devices that address the above and otherneeds. In addition, there is a need for collapsible piñata devices thattake up small amounts of space when collapse, that can easily beuncollapsed, and that have sturdy exteriors not easily damaged. It is tothe provision of such collapsible piñata devices and methods for makingcollapsible piñata devices that the various embodiments of the presentinvention are directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The various embodiments of the present invention include collapsiblepiñata devices and methods for making collapsible piñata devices.Advantageously, piñata devices according to embodiments of the presentinvention enable compact storage in a manner that does not damage oralter the exterior appearance of a collapsible piñata. In addition,piñata devices according to the present invention are easily collapsiblefor easy transport as well as expansion into full size.

Still yet, piñata devices according to some embodiments of the presentinvention are useful because the overall artistic and visual effect isstronger for piñata devices according to the present invention. Indeed,when extended from a collapsed condition to full size, the piñata willexhibit a different form the collapsed state and thus present a surprisefor user. Other features according the present invention includeefficient and easy production process, piñatas having large internalvolumes, reduced amount of manufacturing materials, and ability toeasily attach associated piñata decorative items.

Broadly described, and as discussed below in more detail, a piñatadevice according to various embodiments of the present invention is aspecially designed and novel piñata. According to some embodiments, adecorative piñata gaming system comprises a piñata capable of beingcollapsed in a portable carrying condition and expanded into anuncollapsed condition. The piñata can generally comprise an exteriorshell, an inner support, and a framing system. The exterior shell canhave a collapsed condition and an uncollapsed condition. The uncollapsedcondition can define an interior substantially enclosed by the exteriorshell. The exterior shell can comprise one or more extendable portions.These portions can extend linearly or can rotate about a central axis ofthe piñata. The central axis can be defined by a perimeter of theexterior shell, when the shell is collapsed.

Piñatas according to the present invention can have various structuralfeatures. The inner support carries the exterior shell. The innersupport member is located at least partially within the interior in theuncollapsed condition. The framing system comprises a plurality ofelongated frame members. The frame members can extend from the innersupport to the exterior shell. Alternatively or additionally, the framemembers can extend along the exterior shell, when the shell iscollapsed. The frame members can be comprised of many materials,including without limitation, metal wire or hardboard. The frame memberscan support the exterior shell as the shell is collapsed anduncollapsed. Additionally, the elongated frame members support and carrythe exterior shell in the uncollapsed condition.

Piñatas according to embodiments of the present invention can haveadditional features. For example, the exterior shell can comprise aninner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer and the outer layerbeing can be coupled to the elongated frame members such that theelongated frame members are positioned between the inner layer and theouter layer. As another example, inner support can define a perimeter,and the elongated frame members of the framing system can have ageometrical shape substantially similar to the perimeter. As yet anotherexample, a piñata can comprise a second collapsible piñata disposedgenerally within the interior to yield a piñata-within-a-piñataarrangement. Still yet as another example, the second collapsible piñatacan have a second exterior shell carried by the inner support that alsocarries the piñata.

An exemplary piñata can also comprise an inner containing section. Theinner containing section can be collapsible and can be capable ofcontaining a plurality of articles. The contained articles can be theprize or prizes won when the piñata is burst during game play. While theinner containing section can be composed of the same collapsiblematerial as the collapsible exterior, this is not required. For exampleand not limitation, the inner containing section can comprise acollapsible plastic bag or paper plate.

Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewingthe following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsed view of a piñatadevice according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective-side view of an uncollapsed piñatadevice according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an uncollapsed piñatadevice according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial view of a piñata device having multiplespherical-shaped piñatas according to some embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a piñata device having multiplepiñatas according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of a collapsed piñata implementinglinear extension.

FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of an uncollapsed piñata implementinglinear extension.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial collapsed view of an oval-shaped piñatadevice according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an oval-shaped piñata deviceaccording to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial collapsed view of a rectangular-shapedpiñata device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a rectangular-shaped piñatadevice according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a piñatacomprising a plastic bag inner section.

FIG. 11B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a piñatacomprising a paper plate inner section.

FIG. 12 illustrates a logical flow diagram of a method to manufacture apiñata device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED & ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals representlike parts throughout the several views, exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention will be described in detail. Throughout thisdescription, various components may be identified having specific valuesor parameters, however, these items are provided as exemplaryembodiments. Thus, the exemplary embodiments do not limit the variousaspects and concepts of the present invention as many comparableparameters, sizes, ranges, and/or values may be implemented.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsed view of a piñatadevice 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Thepiñata device 100 is capable of being in a collapsed state and expandedinto an uncollapsed state. A range of expansion exists between acollapsed state and a fully expanded state. In FIG. 1, the piñata device100 is shown in a collapsed state. In FIG. 2, the piñata device 100 isshown in a fully expanded state that forms a spherically-shaped piñata.A comparison of FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 illustrates the advantageous ability ofthe piñata device 100 to be collapsed from a fully expanded state tomake transporting and storing the piñata device 100 easy. FIG. 3 alsoillustrates the piñata device 100 in a fully expanded state and FIG. 3illustrates an interior cross-section of the piñata device 100 whenfully expanded.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the piñata device 100 can generally comprise acollapsible exterior 105 and an inner support wall 110. The collapsibleexterior 105 and the inner support wall 110 are connected together suchthat the collapsible exterior 105 can move relative to the inner supportwall 110. This movement advantageously enables transition between acollapsed state and an uncollapsed state. According to some embodimentsof the present invention, the collapsible exterior 105 is coupled to theinner support wall 110 at two attachment points 115, 120 on the innersupport wall. Such an attachment configuration enables movement betweenexpanded and collapsed states.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the collapsible exterior 105 can comprise oneor more extendable portions. Indeed, the collapsible exterior 105, asillustrated, can comprise a first extendable portion 125 and a secondextendable portion 130. The first extendable portion 125 and the secondextendable portion 130 can be coupled to the inner support wall 110 onopposing sides of the inner support wall 110. If a single extendableportion is provided, it can be the case that no inner support wall 110is desired or provided. Alternatively, if a plurality of extendableportions are implemented, multiple inner support walls, disposed betweenthe extendable portions, can be provided.

The first extendable portion 125 and the second extendable portion 130are preferably constructed from materials that are pre-folded. The foldscan provide that, when the piñata device 100 is expanded or collapsed,the first extendable portion 125 and the second extendable portion 130do not impede transition between the two states. Use of pre-folded paperenables the first extendable portion 125 and the second extendableportion 130 to be folded on itself in the collapsed position (FIG. 1),and provides the piñata device 100 with an exterior that isaesthetically pleasing and rigid (FIG. 2). Indeed, pre-folded paper suchas between 110-gram to 70-gram offset printing paper may be used. Otherpaper materials such as card stock-type paper may also be used.

In addition to comprising extendable portions, the collapsible exterior105 can be made with multiple layers or material sections. In somepreferred embodiments, an inner layer and an outer layer are used. Theinner layer faces the interior of the piñata device 100 and the outerlayer is the exterior of the piñata device 100. The inner and outerlayers can be of the same material and can be coupled to each other toform a piñata device 100 having a rigid body. The layers are preferablyconfigured to have corresponding folds thereby enabling the collapsibleexterior 105 to easily transition between collapsed and expanded states.

The inner support 105 carries the first extendable portion 125 and thesecond extendable portion 130. Also, the inner support wall 110 definesa central axis 135 of the piñata device 100. The central axis 135 isshown by line A-A in FIGS. 1-2 and is a line that enters the plane ofthe page of FIG. 3 in a perpendicular orientation. In the collapsedposition (FIG. 1), the first extendable portion 125 and the secondextendable portion 130 rest against the inner support wall 110 in asubstantially flat manner and are situated proximate the inner supportwall 110 in the collapsed state. In the fully extended position (FIGS.2-3), the first extendable portion 125 and the second extendable portion130 envelop the inner support wall 110 so that the inner support wall110 is not viewable. This advantageous feature of the present inventionprovides a collapsible piñata having a sturdy interior support wall thatis hidden from view within the interior of the piñata device 100 whenthe piñata device 100 is expanded for use.

As mentioned above, the first extendable portion 125 and the secondextendable portion 130 are attached to the inner support wall 110.Preferably, the first extendable portion 125 and the second extendableportion 130 are rotatably or pivotally attached to the inner supportwall 110 proximate the central axis 135 of the piñata device 100. Morespecifically, ends of the first extendable portion 125 and the secondextendable portion 130 are attached to the inner support wall 110 toenable movement of the collapsible exterior 105 relative to the innersupport wall 110 such that the first extendable portion 125 and thesecond extendable portion 130 rotate about the central axis 135.Alternatively, if a single extendable portion is used, the ends of thesingle extendable portion can rotate about the central axis 135.

The one or more extendable portions can comprise a first extendableportion end and second extendable portion end. These two ends may or maynot be located on the same extendable portion. The extendable portionends comprise opposing ends of the exterior shell. The ends can be inproximity to each other when the exterior shell is collapsed and canrotate about the central axes during uncollapsing. Alternatively,uncollapsing may comprise extension of the length of the piñata. In thatcase, the opposing extendable portion ends move linearly away from eachother and the distance between the ends increases as the piñata isuncollapsed (see FIGS. 6A-6B).

The first extendable portion 125 and the second extendable portion 130can be coupled to the inner support wall 110 in various manners. Asshown in FIG. 1, ends 140, 145 of the first extendable portion 125 arecoupled to the inner support wall 110. Also, although not visible inFIG. 1, the second extendable portion 130 (situated behind the firstextendable portion 125 in this view) is also attached at its ends (notshown) to the inner support wall. Alternatively in other embodiments,the first extendable portion 125 and the second extendable portion 130can be coupled to the inner support wall 110 at other locations of theinner support wall 110 proximate the axis 135.

The preferable attachment configuration of the first extendable portion125 and the second extendable portion 130 to the inner support wall 110includes each of the components having a common aperture extendingtherein. The common apertures can be aligned such that attachmentmechanism used to secure the components together. Such an attachmentmechanism can be a string inserted into the apertures. Also, the ends ofthe first extendable portion 125 and the second extendable portion 130can then be taped at their ends. This attachment configurationadvantageously enables a pivotal attachment so that the ends of thefirst extendable portion 125 and the second extendable portion 130 canrotate about the axis 135 in transition between a collapsed state and anexpanded state.

The attachment configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-3 enables the innersupport wall 110 to have various shapes and configurations. Indeed,while the inner support wall 110 can have a generally half-circularshape, portions of the interior can be cut away or removed since thefirst extendable portion 125 and the second extendable portion 130 areonly attached to the inner support wall at opposing ends of the innersupport wall. As shown in the figures of this application, the innersupport wall 110 can take various shapes and its shape will depend onthe desired shape of an expanded piñata since the inner support wallwill generally have a shape corresponding to cross-section of theexposed piñata.

According to some embodiments, the collapsible exterior 105 can have ageometrical shape that corresponds to the interior support wall 110 inthe uncollapsed state such that a cross section of the piñata devicebetween the central axis and the collapsible exterior has the same thegeometrical shape of the interior support wall. For example, in FIGS.1-3, the general shape of the inner support wall 110 is that of ahalf-circle and the piñata device 100 has a spherical shape whenexpanded. Thus, the inner support wall 110 can be half of a planarcross-section of the spherically-shaped piñata device 100. Other piñatashapes can have differently shaped inner support walls.

The piñata device 100 can also comprise one or more framing supportmembers 150, 155 (see FIG. 3). The support members 150, 155 can extendoutwardly from the central axis 135 to the collapsible exterior 105, andbe coupled to the inner support wall 110. The support members 150, 155are preferably between and coupled to the central axis 135 and thecollapsible exterior 105. Alternatively or additionally, the supportmembers can extend along the perimeter of the collapsed exterior shell.The framing support members 150, 155 can couple together multiple layersof the exterior shell. Additionally, the framing support members cansupport the extendable portions of the exterior shell during collapsingand uncollapsing.

In certain embodiments, the piñata device 100 can comprise a firstframing support member 150 and a second framing support member 155. Thefirst framing support member 150 and the second framing support member155 can be situated proximate each other in an uncollapsed state. As thepiñata device 100 moves from the collapsed state to the uncollapsedstate, a distance between the framing support members 150, 155 canchange. For example and not limitation, the first and second framingsupport members 150, 155 can also be proximate each other when thepiñata device 100 is collapsed. As the extendable portions 125, 130rotate about the central axis, the first and second framing supportmembers 150, 155 can first move away from each other and then returntoward each other during the rotation. As a result, the distance betweenthe first and second framing support members 150, 155 can be minimizedwhen the piñata device 100 is in the completely uncollapsed state.

The framing support members 150, 155 of the piñata device 100 are bestillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 1 shows framing support member 150,and FIG. 3 shows both framing support members 150, 155. The framingsupport members 150, 155 are attached to the first extendable portion125 and the second extendable portion 130, respectively. While FIGS. 1and 3 only illustrate two framing support members, other embodiments ofthe present invention can include additional framing support members.The framing support members 150, 155 are preferably made from alightweight, rigid material that is more rigid that the collapsibleexterior 105. The framing support members 150, 155 can be disposedbetween layers of a piñata device 100 if the piñata device isconstructed with an exterior 105 having multiple layers. Suchconfiguration enables the framing support members 150, 155 to be hiddenas to not detract from the aesthetic appearance of the piñata device100.

Also, and as shown in FIG. 3, the framing support members 150, 155 arepreferably located at an outer position of the first extendable portion125 and the second extendable portion 130. This advantageousconfiguration provides a rigid frame that is rotatable relative to axis135 and provides support for an expanded piñata device, such as thepiñata device shown in FIG. 3. When the piñata device 100 is expandedthe framing support members 150, 155 are rotated about the central axisand moved proximate each other thereby expanding the collapsibleexterior 105.

As best shown in FIGS. 1-2, each of the framing support members 150, 155can comprise coupling sections 160, 165. The coupling sections enablethe members 150, 155 to be coupled to each other. For example, thecoupling sections can 160, 165 can be latches so that the members 150,155 can be securedly attached to each other. Preferably the couplingsections 160, 165 are configured to be detachably affixed to each other.Such a configuration advantageously enables the piñata device 100 to befixed in an expanded state for use.

The coupling sections 160, 165 are preferably positioned in middle areasof the framing support members 150, 155. The coupling sections can havean angular shape with an apex extending beyond the surface of thecollapsible exterior 105. The angular shapes enable users to easily holdthe piñata device 100 and expand the piñata device 100 by moving thefirst extendable portion 125 and the second extendable portion 130 suchthat the piñata device 100 is expanded. In addition, the angular shapeof the coupling sections 160, 165 with an apex raised above the surfaceof the collapsible exterior provide a connection point for hanging orsuspending the piñata device. For example, when the piñata device 100 isexpanded and the coupling sections 160, 165 are connected to fix thepiñata in an expanded condition, the raised apex of the couplingsections 160, 165 can be connected to a string or rope and the expandedpiñata device 100 can be suspended using the string or rope.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate views of a piñata device 400 comprising multiplespherical-shaped piñatas 405, 410 according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. FIG. 4 shows a cross-section view of the piñatadevice 400 in the collapsed state and FIG. 5 shows the piñata device 400in an uncollapsed state between collapsed and fully expanded states.

As shown, the piñata device comprises multiple piñatas 405, 410. Thefirst piñata 405 has an interior volume greater than the second piñata410. Thus, the second piñata 410 can be enclosed within the first piñata405. This embodiment of the present invention thus advantageouslyprovides a piñata within a piñata. Such a configuration provides userswith additional gaming opportunities since after the first piñata 405 isopened users can then attempt to open the second piñata. Both of thepiñatas can be constructed similar to the piñata device 100 as discussedabove and for brevity repetition of these details are not providedagain.

Due to the unique piñata-within-a-piñata arrangement, however, thepiñata device 400 possesses numerous features. Indeed, the first andsecond piñatas 405, 410 both possess collapsible exteriors 415, 420. Thefirst and second piñatas 405, 410 also utilize a common support wall 425that carry the collapsible exteriors 415, 420. As such, a portion of thesupport wall 425 can be removed so that when expanded the first andsecond piñatas 405, 410 are spaced apart from each other. Also, asshown, the second piñata 410 can include two framing members, such asframing member 430, which have raised middle sections, such as middlesection 435. The raised middle sections preferably have lengths thatextend to framing members of the first piñata 405 and can contact theframing members of the first piñata as shown in FIG. 5. Such contactadvantageously enables expansion of the piñatas 405, 410 insubstantially simultaneous fashion.

As discussed above, the one or more extendable portions can extendlinearly instead of rotationally. FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of acollapsed piñata implementing linear extension, and FIG. 6B illustratesthe same piñata in the uncollapsed state. As shown, the collapsibleexterior 105 can comprise a single extendable portion 125. The framingsupport members 150, 155 can support the extendable portion 125,particularly during collapsing and uncollapsing.

The piñata device 100 can comprise a cut region, cutout, or flap 160 onthe first framing member 150. The flap 160 can define an aperture 165,which can serve dual purposes. First, the aperture 165 can serve toallow a medium, such as air, to flow into or out of the piñata device100 as the piñata device 100 is collapsed or expanded. For example, theaperture 165 can deliver air to the piñata device 100 to allow thepiñata device 100 to expand as the framing members 150, 155 are pulledaway from each other. The aperture can also allow release of air fromthe piñata device 100 as the framing members 150, 155 are broughttogether to collapse the piñata device 100. Second, the aperture canserve as a means to deliver articles, such as prizes, into theuncollapsed piñata device 100. Articles can be placed through theaperture 165 into the interior of the piñata device 100.

The flap 160 and aperture 165 may be located on the first framing member150, as shown. Alternatively or additionally, the flap 160 and aperture165 can be located on many other portions of the piñata device 100, suchas, for example and not limitation, on the extendable portion 125 or onthe second framing member 155. Further, no flap 160 is required todefine the aperture 165. The aperture may be defined by a framing member150, 155 or by the extendable portion 125 without use of a flap 160.

Piñatas made according to the various embodiments of the presentinvention can have numerous shapes. As discussed above, FIGS. 1-5illustrate piñatas having substantially spherical shapes, and FIGS.6A-6B illustrate a piñata having a cylindrical shape. Other geometricalshapes, however, are also possible according to embodiments of thepresent invention. As an example, FIGS. 7-8 illustrate views of anoval-shaped piñata device 600 according to some embodiments of thepresent invention. FIG. 7 shows the oval-shaped piñata device 600 in acollapsed condition and FIG. 8 shows the oval-shaped piñata device 600in a fully expanded condition. As another example, FIGS. 9-10 illustrateviews of a rectangular-shaped piñata device 800 according to someembodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9 shows therectangular-shaped piñata device 800 in a collapsed condition and FIG.10 shows the rectangular-shaped piñata device 800 in a fully expandedcondition. It should be understood that the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 6-10 may be made in the same manner as the above-discussedembodiments only having different material shapes, and for brevity,these same details are omitted.

Certain embodiments of the present invention can further comprise aninner containing member, or inner section 190 (see FIGS. 11A-11B). Theinner section 190 can comprise many materials and need not be composedof the same material as the collapsible exterior 105. For example andnot limitation, the inner section 190 can comprise a plastic bag or apaper plate. Preferably, the inner section 190 can be collapsible. Theinner section 190 can be adapted to contain a plurality of articles,which articles comprise the prize or prizes won when the piñata is burstduring game play. FIG. 11A illustrates a partial cross-sectional view ofa piñata comprising a plastic bag inner section 190. FIG. 11Billustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a piñata comprising apaper plate inner section 190.

FIG. 12 illustrates a logical flow diagram of a method 1000 tomanufacture a piñata device according to some embodiments of the presentinvention. According to some method embodiments a piñata can bemanufactured by hand, by machine, or a combination of both. It should beunderstand that the method 1000 is only one method embodiment of thepresent invention and that the method 1000 can have various additionalactions or be performed in various orders.

The method 1000 includes various actions to assemble and manufacture acollapsible piñata. The method 1000 can initiate at 1005 by providing aninterior support wall member. The interior support wall member candefine a first surface, a second surface, a central axis, and an outerperimeter. The interior support wall can carry other portions of thepiñata and provide a base from which other portions of the piñata canrotate to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state. Ina collapsed state other portions of the piñata can lay substantiallyflat and planar with the support wall and in an expanded state otherportions of the piñata can enclose the support wall so that it ispositioned within the interior of a piñata.

The method 1000 can continue by attaching other portions of to thesupport wall. For example, at 1010 a first collapsible outer wall can beattached to the first surface of the interior support wall. The firstcollapsible outer wall preferably has a first perimeter that generallycorresponds to the outer perimeter of the interior support wall suchthat the two components have substantially equal perimeters. Also, asecond collapsible outer wall can be coupled to the second surface ofthe interior support wall at 1015. The second collapsible outer wall canhave a second perimeter that generally corresponds to the outerperimeter of the interior support wall such that all three components(interior support wall, first collapsible wall, and second collapsiblewall) have substantially equal perimeters.

Next, the method 1000 can include supporting the collapsible walls. Forexample, at 1020 at least one frame support member can be disposedproximate at least one of the first collapsible outer wall and thesecond collapsible wall. The frame support member can support thecollapsible outer walls to have a shape the generally conforms to theframe support members. Preferably both collapsible outer walls have anattached frame support member at the outer ends of the collapsiblewalls. The frame support members can be made from metal wire and providea grasping point to expand the piñata to a fully expanded position.Also, the first collapsible outer wall and the second collapsible outerwall each comprise an inner layer and an outer layer. The frame supportmembers can be disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer suchat 1025. As such, the frame support members can be positioned betweenthe inner layer and the outer layer of the collapsible outer walls. Forexample, a first frame member can be positioned within the firstcollapsible layer and a second frame member positioned within the secondcollapsible layer.

The method 1000 can also include additional features. For example, at1030 the method can include providing a plurality of folds in the firstcollapsible layer and the second collapsible layer. The foldsadvantageously enable the first collapsible layer and the secondcollapsible layer to move between a collapsed state and an uncollapsedstate. Indeed, the folds allow the collapsible walls to be collapsed insuch a manner to not harm the exterior appearance of a piñata accordingto embodiments of the present invention. Another feature includeproviding a locking device at 1035. The locking device can be coupled toan outer end of at least one of the first collapsible outer wall or thesecond collapsible outer wall. The locking device enables the ends ofthe first collapsible outer wall and the second collapsible to besecuredly locked to each other. The locking device can be a latch. Thelocking device enables the piñata to be fixed in the expanded state foruse. Also, the method 1000 also preferably includes at 1040 configuringthe first collapsible outer wall and the second collapsible outer wallto rotate about the central axis. This advantageous feature allows theouter walls to transition between a collapsed state and an uncollapsedstate.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to theparticular exemplary embodiments, process steps, and materials disclosedherein as such embodiments, process steps, and materials may varysomewhat. Moreover, the terminology employed herein is used for thepurpose of describing exemplary embodiments only and the terminology isnot intended to be limiting since the scope of the various embodimentsof the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims andequivalents thereof.

Thus, while the various embodiments of this invention have beendescribed in detail with particular reference to exemplary embodiments,those skilled in the art will understand that variations andmodifications can be effected within the scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the variousembodiments of the present invention should not be limited to the abovediscussed embodiments, and should only be defined by the followingclaims and all equivalents.

1. A piñata device adapted to contain a plurality of articles andcapable of being collapsed, the piñata device comprising: a collapsibleexterior comprising one or more extendable portions, the collapsibleexterior having a collapsed state and an uncollapsed state, thecollapsible exterior adapted to define an interior when uncollapsed, theinterior substantially enclosed by the collapsible exterior, thecollapsible exterior having a perimeter when collapsed, the perimeterdefining a central axis; and a first framing member coupled to at leastone of the extendable portions, the first framing member adapted tosupport the at least one of the extendable portions during collapsingand uncollapsing.
 2. The piñata device of claim 1, the collapsibleexterior comprising an inner containing member and an outer section, theinner containing member being spaced apart from the central axis, andthe outer section being spaced apart from the inner containing membersuch that the inner containing member is disposed between the centralaxis and the outer section.
 3. The piñata device of claim 2, the innercontaining member adapted to be collapsible and to contain a pluralityof articles when the inner containing member is uncollapsed.
 4. Thepiñata device of claim 1, further comprising a second framing member,wherein the distance between the first and second framing members variesduring collapsing and during uncollapsing.
 5. The piñata device of claim1, wherein the one or more extendable portions comprise a firstextendable portion end and a second extendable portion end, the firstand second extendable portion ends in proximity to each other andcomprising opposing ends of the collapsible exterior in the collapsedstate.
 6. The piñata device of claim 5, further comprising a latchoperatively connected to at least one of the first extendable portionend and the second extendable portion end, the first and secondextendable portion ends in proximity to each other when the collapsibleexterior is in the uncollapsed state, and the latch comprising aconnector to connect the first extendable portion end and the secondextendable portion end in the uncollapsed state.
 8. The piñata device ofclaim 1, the collapsible exterior comprising a plurality ofpredetermined folds, the folds being open in the uncollapsed state andclosed in the collapsed state.
 9. The piñata device of claim 1, furthercomprising a second framing member, the first and second framing membersrotatable about the central axis.
 10. A piñata manufacturing methodcomprising: providing a first framing support member; and coupling afirst collapsible outer wall to the first framing support member, thefirst collapsible outer wall proximate the first framing support memberand adapted to contain a plurality of articles, the first framingsupport member adapted to support the first collapsible outer wall, andthe first collapsible outer wall having a first perimeter defining acentral axis.
 11. The piñata manufacturing method of claim 10, furthercomprising disposing the first framing support member between an innerlayer and an outer layer of the first collapsible outer wall such thatthe first framing support member is positioned between the inner layerand the outer layer.
 12. The piñata manufacturing method of claim 10,further comprising providing a plurality of folds in the firstcollapsible outer wall such that the first collapsible outer wall canmove between the collapsed state and the uncollapsed state.
 13. Thepiñata manufacturing method of claim 10, further comprising: providing asecond collapsible outer wall; providing an inner support wall; andcoupling the first collapsible outer wall to a first side of the innersupport member and the second collapsible outer wall to a second side ofthe inner support member.
 14. The piñata manufacturing method of claim10, further comprising providing a locking member coupled to a firstouter end of the first collapsible outer wall such that the first outerend and a second outer end of the collapsible outer wall can be securelylocked.
 15. The piñata manufacturing device of claim 10, furthercomprising configuring the first collapsible outer wall to rotate aboutthe central axis such that the first collapsible outer wall can movebetween a collapsed state and an uncollapsed state.
 16. In a decorativepiñata gaming system comprising a piñata capable of being collapsed in aportable carrying condition and expanded into an uncollapsed condition,the piñata comprising: an exterior shell configured to have a collapsedcondition and an uncollapsed condition, the uncollapsed conditiondefining an interior substantially enclosed by the exterior shell; and aframing system comprising a plurality of elongated frame members coupledto the exterior shell, the elongated frame members to support and carrythe exterior shell in the uncollapsed condition.
 17. The piñata of claim16, the exterior shell comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, theinner layer and the outer layer being coupled to the elongated framemembers such that the elongated frame members are positioned between theinner layer and the outer layer.
 18. The piñata of claim 16, theexterior shell defining a perimeter in the uncollapsed condition, andthe elongated frame members having a geometrical shape substantiallysimilar to the perimeter.
 19. The piñata of claim 16, further comprisinga second collapsible piñata suspended and disposed generally within theinterior.
 20. The piñata of claim 19, further comprising an innersupport member, the second collapsible piñata having a second exteriorshell carried by the inner support member.